TELEHEALTH DELIVERY OF CARDIAC EDUCATION TO RURAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Interior Health (IH) is situated in British Columbia's central interior, serving a vast geographic region with a mix of urban, rural, and remote communities. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is low in rural regions as cardiac services are located in urban centres. About 50% of people undergoing cardiac revascularization return home to rural communities with no access to CR. The purpose of this pilot project was to expand the delivery of existing core CR education services to support risk factor reduction and better cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in this population. Efforts were made to use existing CR expertise and resources for sustainability, cost effectiveness and standardization of cardiac education.IH and Central Okanagan Association for Cardiac Health in Kelowna collaborated to utilize telehealth technology to deliver a 6-week health education series to seven rural communities. The communities selected have a high prevalence rate of ischemic heart disease (9.6-11.2%) as compared to BC provincial rate (7.6%) and expressed a need for CR services. Partnership with local health service delivery sites was undertaken to ensure optimal uptake, ease of accessibility and streamlined referral process. The program was implemented over a six-month period followed by formal evaluation revealing robust interest, uptake, satisfaction and improved self-efficacy. Participants valued the opportunity to actively interact with presenters. Over 90% felt they gained knowledge and skills to better manage heart disease. This program provides an educational foundation upon which local health services can be integrated to enhance CV management and has the capacity to reach more rural communities.